Swimmers from 49 teams across the state competed at district meets for a chance to continue their season for one more week. About 130 swimmers competed in each individual event and each team put together their best relay to earn their spot as top 24 in the state. The top 24 swimmers who earned their spot competed again at the state meet.

Seniors George Durin, Carter Kramer, Michael Simoneau and junior Rory Bostwick competed at the district meet. Durin, Simoneau, and Bostwick helped Washington High School to finishing as the district champion, after breaking the 54-year streak last year. Kramer helped Kennedy earn fourth place at their district meet.

Simoneau ended his senior season at districts competing in the 100 butterfly, placing 16th. Bostwick competed in the 100 freestyle and the 100 breastroke. He placed 14th and 18th respectively.

“I only had one swim meet to try and qualify for the 100 yard butterfly. At that meet I told my coaches I was going to beat the next in line by 2 seconds, and that’s what I did,“ Simoneau said.

Durin and Kramer finished their season by competing at the state meet held at the University of Iowa on Saturday, February 10. Washington placed 10 at state while Kennedy placed 26th out of 32 teams.

Kramer qualified in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, and the 50 freestyle. The 200 medley relay was disqualified, the 200 free relay placed 13th and he tied for 12th in the 50 freestyle.

“The advice I would give to the underclassmen is to try hard and always have fun,” Kramer said. “I have learned that if you’re willing to work hard you will be able to reach your goals.”

Durin qualified for the 200 medley relay, 50 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, and the 400 freestyle relay. The 200 medley relay placed 4th, he placed 10th in the 50 freestyle, 9th in the 200 freestyle relay and 14th in the 400 freestyle relay.

“My favorite memory was playing water polo after practice during Christmas break,” Durin said. “I’m going to miss pushing through the hard sets with my teammates.”

Durin will continue his academic and swimming career at Colorado Mesa University in the fall.

Hannah Williams

Sports Writer